US Senate Race Heats Up

Polls have Bob Conley edging up to 41% to incumbent Lindsey Graham's 50%. This is a phenomenal amount of support given Conley's lack of funds (and Party support) compared with Graham incumbent warchest.

The "Ron Paul" Democrat had a good showing in Saturday night's ETV debate with Graham, which focused a lot on the current economic crisis. Graham voted for the $700B bailout package while Conley opposed it. Both men stood their ground on the issues and made rebuttals often, making it more of a debate than the two presidential debates.

Most, if not all, experts consider Graham will keep his seat. Voters will have the final say on Nov. 4.

Information on the candidates:
Graham - Web site - On the Issues
Conley - Web site - On the Issues

If you missed te debate, watch it here.

Don't forget to Watch Saturday Night!

The ETV and The State Newspaper Senatorial debate between GOP incumbent Lindsey Graham and Democratic challenger Bob Conley will now take place on Saturday, Oct. 11 at 8 p.m. The debate, produced in Columbia, will air LIVE on all 11 ETV stations and eight ETV Radio stations. The debates will also be streamed over the Internet at www.myetv.org.

Scarecrows in the Garden Exhibit Open through October

Historic Columbia Foundation will offer autumn fun each day in October during “Scarecrows in the Garden.” This special outdoor exhibit features more than 35 handcrafted scarecrows from families, businesses, organizations, and an entry from Governor Mark Sanford and family. The free exhibit opened on October 1 and ends on October 31. Hours are Monday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sundays, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. at the historic Robert Mills House and Gardens, 1616 Blanding Street.

Visitors can also enjoy a scavenger hunt and participate in a contest to find Sneaky Steve, the missing scarecrow. Historic Columbia Foundation will announce scarecrow contest winners on Saturday, October 25 during Family Day, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Family Day: Fun in the Fall is open to the public. Admission is $5 and $3 for children. Members are free.

For more information, call 803.252.1770, ext. 33 or visit www.HistoricColumbia.org.

Fraudulent E-mails Claim to Be From the FDIC

E-mails fraudulently claiming to be from the FDIC are attempting to trick
recipients into installing unknown software on personal computers. These
e-mails contain the subject line: "Funds wired into your account are
stolen."

Recipients of the fraudulent e-mail should not reply and should not attempt
to open the attached file.

For additional information about safe online banking and avoiding online
scams, click here.

For your reference, FDIC Special Alerts may be accessed from the FDIC's Web
site.

Senator Shane Massey Will Not Accept Pay When Legislature Returns for Budget Talks

Today the Board of Economic Advisors announced that the state must trim 6%, nearly $420 million, from the annual state budget. Senator Shane Massey told WRDW (CBS-Augusta) that he will refuse pay when the legislature returns to debate those cuts.

Massey says, “if lawmakers are called back, it would cost somewhere around $50,000, and I for one will not be accepting any pay. This is a problem that everyone needs to fight together.”

The full WRDW story can be found here.

Cat's Meow Fundraiser

Darlington's Bella Domani was the site of an indoor bake sale and outdoor adoption tent, both in support of the Darlington County Humane Society. A few photos follow, and more will be available by Wednesday on the News and Press's dotphoto page (http://newsandpress.dotphoto.com/CPListAlbums.asp). The News and Press Blog will also feature some adoptable pets that will be available at next Saturday's Sweet Potato Festival.

1) Sassafras, a 12-week-old kitten, says hello. Adopt her at the Sweet Potato Festival. 2) Kameryn Rheuark hugs a pup. 3) Bobby, a 14-week-old kitten, indulges a close up--adopt him at the Sweet Potato Festival. 4) Puppies greet potential pet parents. 5) A lovable little face. 6) An enthusiastic doggie. 7) Volunteer Joanna Baker with Bobby. 8) Archie, a neutered two-year-old dog, favors us with a subtle smile.

Infantry Museum Coin to be Minted in 2012

Silver coin commemorating Soldiers and the new museum will raise $3.5 million

Congress has approved legislation creating an official coin commemorating the Infantry Soldier and the new National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center at Columbus, Georgia.

The legislation directs the Secretary of the U.S. Treasury to mint and issue $1 silver coins “emblematic of the courage, pride, sacrifice, sense of duty, and history of the U.S. Infantry, in commemoration of the legacy of the U.S. Army Infantry and the establishment of the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center.” Congress permits the minting of only two such coins each year.

“This is a great project on so many fronts,” said National Infantry Foundation Chairman MG (Ret) Jerry White. “It not only honors Soldiers for their service and sacrifice, but also recognizes the importance of the new museum and Soldier Center as a world-class facility that will educate visitors and families on the role of the Infantry Soldier in securing and protecting the freedoms we all enjoy.”

350,000 coins will be minted for issuance in 2012. The $1 coins will sell for $10 each, raising $3.5 million to establish an endowment to support the maintenance of the new museum.

The measure has been approved in the House and Senate, and is pending the President’s signature.